Employees Bring a Spark, Light a Fire

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Dedicated faculty and staff with service ranging from 10 to 40 years are honored at Employee Appreciation Reception

By Jessica Hauser '13 | April 16, 2013

“Bring a spark. Light a fire.” This is not just a motto. It is a philosophy that speaks to the Virginia Wesleyan experience, and it rings true not only for students and alumni, but also for faculty and staff. Those who come to Virginia Wesleyan are encouraged to bring their spark of individuality and to light a fire at a College that inspires thinking and feels like home.

This has definitely proven to be the case for Michele Obenour, a 25-year employee of the College, wife of 26 years and mother of two children, ages 15 and 20.

“I get to work at a great institution and also be there for my family,” she says. “The VWC community understands the balance, and I don’t feel like one has to suffer for the other.”

Obenour was honored along with 20 other Virginia Wesleyan employees with years of service ranging from 10 to 40 at the Employee Appreciation Reception held in the Pearce Hospitality Suite on April 16.

Beginning her VWC career in 1988 as the College’s faculty secretary, Obenour is now the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Enrollment Services. She says her co-workers and the students are a big part of what’s kept her at the College for so many years.

“The people at VWC are so caring and genuine, and I love being around college students. They are just fun.”

The reception’s honorees were recognized by President Billy Greer and Human Resources Director Karla Rasmussen. Guests enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres and cake.

30 Years

35 Years

40 Years

AboutVirginia Wesleyan College

Virginia Wesleyan College is Coastal Virginia's premier private, national liberal arts college. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located on a 300-acre wooded campus in the dynamic education triangle of Norfolk/Virginia Beach, the College enrolls approximately 1,400 students. Undergraduate degrees include a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of social work. Offering 33 majors, 30 minors and seven pre-professional programs (most popular: biology and business), the College has an average class size of approximately 13 students. Over 90 percent of Wesleyan’s new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year.